King James Version
Job 33:23 in the King James Version says “If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:” — study this verse from Job chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:”
Job 33:23 · KJV
His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out .
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. a ransom: or, an atonement
His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: a child's: Heb. childhood
KJV Study — Public Domain
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“If there”
H3426there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“be a messenger”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
“with him an interpreter”
H3887properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
“among a thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
“to shew”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
“unto man”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Job 33:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Job 33:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge